General Starlab Expectations

A Starlab is a portable planetarium used for educational purposes, typically to teach students about astronomy and the night sky. Here are some important expectations to remind students of before entering a Starlab:

• Respectful Behavior:

  • Emphasize the importance of respectful behavior inside the Starlab. Students should refrain from loud talking, disruptive behavior, or any actions that could distract others from learning.

• Quiet Listening:

  • Encourage students to listen quietly during the presentations inside the Starlab. This will help them absorb the information being presented and allow others to do the same.

• Follow Instructions:

  • Remind students to follow instructions from the presenter or teacher. This includes guidance on entering and exiting the Starlab, as well as any specific rules for the presentation.

• No Food or Drinks:

  • Reinforce the rule that no food or drinks are allowed inside the Starlab. This helps to keep the equipment clean and prevents any potential damage.

• Stay Seated:

  • Instruct students to remain seated throughout the presentation. Moving around can be distracting to others and may disrupt the projection equipment.

• Ask Questions Appropriately:

  • Encourage students to ask questions if they have them, but stress the importance of doing so at appropriate times. This could be during designated Q&A sessions or after the presentation.

• Mind Personal Space:

  • Emphasize the need to be aware of personal space inside the Starlab. Students should avoid touching the equipment or other students without permission.

• No Electronic Devices:

  • Remind students to turn off or silence their electronic devices before entering the Starlab. This ensures that the learning environment is free from unnecessary distractions.

• Be Open-Minded:

  • Encourage students to approach the experience with an open mind. The Starlab is a unique educational opportunity, and students should be ready to engage with the material and learn in a different setting.

• Enjoy the Experience:

  • Remind students to enjoy the experience and have fun while learning. The Starlab provides a unique and immersive way to explore astronomy, so encourage them to make the most of the opportunity.

By setting clear expectations, students can fully benefit from the educational experience inside the Starlab while maintaining a respectful and focused environment.

Entering and Exiting the Starlab (long directions)

• Prepare:

  • Listen to any instructions given by the teacher or presenter before entering.

  • Remove any sharp objects or bulky items from pockets to avoid damaging the StarLab.

• Line Up:

  • Form a single-file line outside the StarLab entrance, maintaining order and following your teacher's guidance.

• Wait for Permission:

  • Wait for the teacher or presenter to signal that it's time to enter.

  • Do not attempt to enter the StarLab until given explicit permission.

• Enter Calmly:

  • Walk calmly and quietly into the StarLab, one student at a time.

  • Be mindful of others to avoid collisions or disruptions.

• Follow Instructions:

  • Listen attentively to any instructions given by the teacher or presenter inside the StarLab.

  • Follow guidelines for seating arrangements and behavior.

• Seal Entrance:

  • Once inside, be careful not to obstruct the entrance.

  • If instructed, help secure the entrance zipper to maintain the integrity of the StarLab.

• Engage in Activities:

  • Participate actively in the planned activities or presentations.

  • Follow the guidelines provided by the teacher or presenter.

• Exit Procedure:

  • When it's time to exit, wait for instructions from the teacher or presenter.

  • Leave the StarLab in an orderly manner, following the same single-file line.

• Reflect and Discuss:

  • Once outside the StarLab, discuss the experience with your classmates and teacher.

  • Share any observations or insights gained during the session.

• Be Respectful:

  • Treat the StarLab equipment with care and respect.

  • Follow any additional guidelines provided by your teacher to ensure a positive learning experience.

Always prioritize safety, attentiveness, and respect for both the equipment and others when entering a StarLab.

Other Things We've Learned (so far)

• The quicker you get in and out the less air loss and the less it deflates and the less time you have to wait for it to fully inflate again.

• Do not sit in front of the door or vent.  The door, you get trampled, the vent, it's loud and can get cold.

• Once the lab is fully inflated, you can either partially cover or fully close the incoming air vent.  This will help make it a bit quieter.  Leave if fully open when you leave. 

• After you are all inside and the door is closed, there comes a point where the lab is fully inflated and may start to rise a bit.  There are two vents that you can open to allow the air to slowly leak out so this doesn't happen.  The two vents are straight across from the lab's door.  They are two flaps that you can un-velcro.  These will slowly let air out.  When you leave you'll want to close them so that the lab fully inflates quicker for the next group.

• When kids sit around the perimiter, it helps to tell them to sit on the floor with only a small part of their butt/botton on the black trim.  This helps to hold it down and keep light out but do not have them sit on the the full strip that is on the floor.  Just the edge.  When they sit on the entire 12" portion that's on the floor, they lean on the wall.  Touching the wall's is a no-no.